Who Governs? by Political Scientist Robert Dahl; microcosm of New Hampshire

“Who Governs?” probed the political system of Robert Dahl’s own community at the time, New Haven, Conn., which he considered an ideal microcosm for the country: two strong parties, a long history and a careful progression from patrician rule to self-made men to party rule, where candidates of varied ethnic and economic backgrounds —came together.

Dahl wanted to know who really ran the city, and, by extension, the country.  C. Wright Mills, in “The Power Elite,” had written that wealth and power were concentrated within a tiny group of people. Dahl believed no single entity was in charge. Instead, there were competing ones — social, economic and political leaders whose goals often did not overlap. He acknowledged that many citizens did not participate in local issues and that the rich had advantages over the poor.  Some citizens were not involved & did not have a voice.

Dahl had several premises for fair governing.  The vote must be representative but it does not have to be universal.  But participation must be equitable.  There must be adequate/equal opportunities to express preferences in the political process.  Can one easily contribute to the decision making process and are all voices heard?  In the marketplace of ideas, who is dominant? Who controls the flow of information? Is there inclusion and minority consent?  How does the internet influence the marketplace of ideas & perpetuation of critical thinking skills?

With the media pervading every thoughtline of American citizenry, the rise and possession of political power may be transient, especially at election time and during the seasonal primaries.